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Mozzarella shooters with Walnut basil Pesto

Mozzarella shooters with Walnut basil Pesto

  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Mozzarella shooters with Walnut basil Pesto are an effortless and elegant snack that pairs creamy mozzarella balls with a vibrant, nutty homemade walnut basil pesto. Perfect for parties, appetizers, or light bites, this recipe offers fresh, bold flavors with heart-healthy ingredients that can be prepared ahead of time and served chilled for a delicious and visually appealing treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Walnut Basil Pesto

  • ½ cup walnuts, toasted
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1 garlic clove
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil

For the Mozzarella Shooters

  • 12 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained and patted dry
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Walnut Basil Pesto: Lightly toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant and slightly golden. Allow to cool. In a food processor, combine the toasted walnuts, fresh basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. While pulsing, slowly stream in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture reaches a smooth yet slightly chunky consistency with a vibrant green color.
  2. Assemble the Shooters: Drain and thoroughly pat dry the mozzarella balls to remove any excess moisture. In small clear shooter glasses or mini jars, spoon a layer of the walnut basil pesto at the bottom. Carefully place one mozzarella ball on top of the pesto. Drizzle a little more pesto over the mozzarella to enhance flavor.
  3. Add Garnishes: Top each shooter with a fresh basil leaf and, if desired, a halved cherry tomato. These garnishes add a pop of color and freshness to the presentation.

Notes

  • Use fresh basil and mozzarella for the best flavor and presentation.
  • Lightly toast walnuts to deepen the pesto’s flavor.
  • Keep pesto slightly chunky for added texture contrast with smooth mozzarella.
  • Dry mozzarella thoroughly to prevent watery shooters.
  • Chill shooters for 20-30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No cooking required (toasting nuts on stovetop)
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 shooter
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 140 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg

Keywords: mozzarella shooters, walnut basil pesto, appetizer, party snack, easy snack, gluten free, no bake

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Find it online: https://savortrack.com/mozzarella-shooters-with-walnut-basil-pesto/